Montreal's powerplay is currently 1 for 24 (4%). Despite this they are currently 4-4-0 on the season, if the powerplay could get going MTL would get more production from their players and more results offensively. I believe the issue with the powerplay is player usage, not the players themselves. It is not hard to have an average powerplay.
First an introduction to the importance of powerplay production. Some notable players that are struggling offensively are Drouin (2A), Dvorak (1A), and Hoffman (1G, 1A). Here's a breakdown of each of these players production for the last teams they played for:
1. Jonathan Drouin, Tampa Bay, scored 54% of his points on the powerplay.
2. Mike Hoffman, St. Louis, scored 47% of his points on the powerplay.
3. Christian Dvorak, Arizona, scored 35% of his points on the powerplay.
These 3 players need a successful powerplay in order to contribute offensively, yet all of these players are being used incorrectly on the powerplay.
Drouin is being used down low at the goal line or the front of the net, which is probably the absolute worst place you could put him. In his last season in TB (and first season in MTL) Drouin was the powerplay QB from the left wall - this is the only spot Drouin should be on a powerplay (he isn't a shooter and he can't battle down low or in front of the net).
Hoffman has made a living in the NHL off of his dangerous one timer, particularly on the powerplay, yet MTL has him QBing on the point right now which is utterly ridiculous (the powerplay gave up more chances against then it created last game against Buffalo, Hoffman should not be the last line of defence).
Dvorak is barely a feature on MTL's powerplay right now, yet he showed great promise as a bumper player in Arizona. I don't even know what role he plays right now for MTL, the entire 2nd PP unit is dysfunctional with random players thrown together without any structure.
Lastly, Wideman is dreadful on the powerplay right now. This is why they are using Hoffman on the point instead... but why? Guhle ran the PP in junior and just showed off his bomb off a shot. Harris ran the PP in NCAA and deserves the experience over Chris Wideman. Even Xhekaj has offensive savvy and bomb from the point, he should get an opportunity on the PP.
- This PP has 3 shooting options up top in Caufield, Guhle, and Hoffman... if the PK cheats to cover someone then one of these players should get a really good look. If the PK cheats up high then the Suzuki & Monahan, who can alternate in the bumper & goal line positions depending on the side of attack (lefty or righty) will be left wide open. This powerplay would always have an option open for a threat, 5 v 4 it is simple numbers the PK just needs to decide who they will leave open. Currently, with Drouin doing **** all and Wideman useless up top this unit is predictable and easy to defend.
This unit will be QB'd by Drouin on the left wall, he has proven to excel in this role as a playmaker (he shouldn't have any other role on the powerplay. This is about giving Drouin as many options as possible. Dach down low to crash the net or make plays to the bumper, Dvorak, or back door, Dadanov, if Drouin cannot make those plays directly. It is important to have lefty at the point ao Drouin can make a drop pass to one timer if he is challenged when he attacks the net, I think Xhekaj has a great shot and would like to see him here until Matheson returns. Harris is another option if Xhekaj doesn't work. I couldn't even tell you what MTL's 2nd unit is currently made up of, it is a **** show.
I think this is a significant improvement and it puts players in a role they can excel at rather than fail. Player like Monahan, Hoffman, Drouin, Dvorak, and Dadanov that need to be showcased for trades are also put in the best possible situation to succeed individual which should net MTL better returns (right now they'd be lucky to even move some of these players for anything at all).
Xhekaj can’t even make a pass on the tape when he has no pressure
Definitely not Xhekaj on the PP
I agree Wideman stinks this year, Guhle and Harris should get PP minutes
If it doesn’t work, bring back Wideman on PP1
Dvorak is playing well, Dadonov is just so bad
I would have PP1 : Caufield Suzuki Guhle Slafkovsky Dach
PP2 : Hoffman Drouin Harris Anderson Dvorak
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